Start your journey of discovery
Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.
History
Find out more about people from the past, discover remarkable art and collections and brush up on your knowledge of architecture and gardens.
History highlights
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History podcasts playlist
Be transported through time with our history podcast playlist. From the origins of drag performance to the boys who became the Beatles, discover stories from across the ages.
Uncovering stories with Findmypast
We’ve collaborated with family history website Findmypast to explore the 1921 Census of England and Wales. It’s helped us get closer to understanding what life was like for people who lived or worked at the places in our care during the early 20th century. This half term, you can look into your own family records with their free trial and find out if your family’s history is connected to any of these places. By clicking this link, you’ll access a third-party website. Please see their privacy policy for how they handle your personal data.
Art and collections
Delve into one of the world's greatest collections of art and historical objects. From paintings to sculptures, there’s something for every art lover to discover.
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Roses in art and collections we care for
Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans loved to grow roses? Discover the roots and symbolism of these much-loved flowers through the objects and art in our care.
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Queen Elizabeth and the ‘Mask of Youth’
‘The Mask of Youth’ gave Queen Elizabeth I ageless beauty in art. Read more about the history and where you can see examples in the collections in our care.
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Great tapestries in our collections
We look after the largest collection of tapestries in Britain and one of the largest in the world. Discover some examples of this outstanding craftmanship at the places in our care.
People
Read the stories of people from history and learn about their connections to the historic places in our care, from Beatrix Potter to the Beatles.
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Who was William Morris?
Learn how William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, brought the natural world indoors with his wallpapers and textiles, which are still instantly recognisable today.
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Remarkable women in history
Learn about remarkable women in history linked to the places in our care, from the political player who helped make Charles II king to the archaeologist who helped discover a 7th-century Saxon ship burial.
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Black histories and the National Trust
Discover the places and collections we care for that have connections to black histories. Learn more about the people behind these connections, including the lady of the house at Dyrham Park and a Kenyan-born poet, novelist and civil servant at 575 Wandsworth Road.
Architecture
Read up on architecture with in-depth articles about architectural styles, interior design through history and architectural structures.
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What is a Dovecote?
Dovecotes were built by wealthy and aristocratic families from the Norman period onwards and doves were kept for both food, feathers and as status symbols.
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Top tips for maintaining your own ‘manor’
Find out from our team of building surveyors how you can keep your own ‘stately home’ maintained to a National Trust standard this year
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The history of architecture
Learn how both social and technological change have influenced architecture throughout history, and find out where to see examples of each period at the places we look after.
Gardens and landscapes
Discover the history of the natural landscapes around you. From glasshouses to sunken lanes, understand more about how these gardens and green spaces were formed.
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The history of tulips
Tulips have been a popular flower for centuries. Find out where they came from, how they inspired the 'tulipmania' craze and learn about the different varieties you can still spot today.
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A potted history of houseplants
Wander through our collections and gardens to learn the high-society origins of the ferns, orchids and pelargoniums in your home.
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How to spot a ‘Capability’ Brown landscape
Brown designed landscapes that fitted in seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. So how do you spot the designs of one of the greatest gardeners of all time?
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The development of the English garden landscape
The history of the English landscape garden is infused with political meaning. Learn the history and political stories behind this garden style characterised by structured informality.